₦airaland Forum

EFCC Recovers N100bn Assets from Ex-Govs
• Tinubu honours commission's invitation

The on-going interrogation of former state governors by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have started yielding dividends. The commission has recovered assets of some of the former state chief executives worth over N100 billion, THISDAY was informed yesterday. It has also emerged that the commission has not entered into any deal not to prosecute former governors who forfeit their loot.
Also yesterday, the commission interrogated the former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his stewardship. Tinubu, according to information available to THISDAY, left his Bourdillon Road residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, in the early hours of yesterday for Abuja to honour the EFCC invitation. Tinubu was supposed to have appeared before the EFCC panel last week but he wrote to request for a shift of the interview till yesterday, citing busy schedule as his reason.
Assets forfeited by some of the former governors include estates, hotels, hospitals, cash and other investments both in Nigeria and abroad. However, an EFCC official told THISDAY yesterday that there was no truth in the report that the commission had entered into a bargain with the former governors not to prosecute them in exchange for forfeiture of assets.
"Forfeiture of assets is a completely different issue from prosecution," the official said. "We will take everything step-by-step. Those who have failed to convincingly answer our questions will be charged to court after the whole process of interrogation. We have always insisted we will follow the rule of law over the matter."
Tinubu's appearance before the commission doused rumours that he might not honour the invitation extended to him.
EFCC boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had earlier this year said the commission was investigating Tinubu in a case that had an “international dimension”. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) also accused Tinubu of operating some 16 foreign accounts in the names of his wife and children, as against the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which bars serving public officials from operating accounts outside the shores of Nigeria. Tinubu has denied these charges repeatedly.
It was not clear yesterday if these allegations formed the basis for the questioning of the former governor. The atmosphere at the Alausa, seat of Lagos government, changed following initial rumours that Tinubu was arrested by EFCC operatives.
Some Lagos lawmakers and top functionaries of government were moody as they discussed the development. The lawmakers and some democracy activists, were billed to host the former Governor today in commemoration of his contributions to the struggle for the sustenance of democratic principles in the country. They expressed worries that the EFCC may have scuttled their arrangements.
Tinubu had on the eve of his departure from the seat of government said he had a clean record in office. He challenged the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and other agencies of government to provide evidence of his wrong doings while his eight-year tenure lasted. He vowed not to flee, saying he would remain in the country to fight oppression.
“Shame on them, let them show the accounts. I am an accountant and I have trained my children to be prudent. I cannot be intimidated. Shame on them. I am not going anywhere, I remain with you. Don’t believe any rumour. I am around, my records are clear, I have nothing to hide”, Tinubu had declared while handing over the state to his successor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), a forthnight ago.
When contacted to comment on the development yesterday, counsel to Tinubu, Mr. Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who spoke with our correspondent on phone, confirmed that Tinubu was not arrested. He explained that Tinubu had only gone to the EFCC to honour the invitation sent to him.
“He was not arrested. He went on his own. When he asked me, I told him to go and see them. He was invited like other former governors who had been there to answer the EFCC call," he said.
THISDAY was told that Tinubu had a marathon session with the commission's investigative panel in Abuja, lasting about eight hours. It ended at about 5 pm.
Two governors were scheduled for interview yesterday: Tinubu and the former governor of Benue state, Chief George Akume. However, owing to the fact that the former Lagos state governor took most of the available time, Akume was asked to report back today.
It was also revealed yesterday that the former governors of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah and his Ebonyi state counterpart, Dr. Sam Egwu, were yet to appear before the EFCC as erroneously reported by THISDAY yesterday. They could, however, be invited later as the interviews are being conducted in batches, according to an EFCC official.
So far, the EFCC has quizzed about seven governors out of a total 15 billed to be questioned. Among ex governors so far interrogated are Dr. Peter Odili of Rivers state, Chief James Ibori (Delta), Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Alhaji Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), Alhaji Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara), Senator Tinubu and Chief George Akume (Benue).
Another former governor among those being awaited at the EFCC office for questioning, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, yesterday refuted rumours that he was on the run. In a statement from his close friend made available to THISDAY, he said he was not on the run and would as a matter of fact return to Nigeria this week.
He said Igbinedion's attention had been drawn to a news report that he ran away from the country to evade inquisition by the EFCC and explained that the ex-governor only travelled for "a deserved rest shortly after the inauguration of the new administration in Edo State."

EFCC quizzes Tinubu over fraud - Ex-gov Nnamani arrives, appears at EFCC Thursday
From Foluso Akinwumi, Kayode Akinmade and Okey Muogbo - 12.06.2007
THE immediate past governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was yesterday quizzed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the handling of the finances of the state in the last eight years.

Senator Tinubu, according to the Nigerian Tribune findings, arrived at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja at about noon on Monday.

A competent source at the commission’s office told the Nigerian Tribune that Tinubu was at the EFCC office with some officials of the state government and those who served in his administration.

It was gathered from the source that the Lagos State Attorney General under Tinubu was one of the officials questioned alongside the governor while the identity of the two others could not be confirmed.


It will be recalled that the former Lagos State governor was, while in office, dragged before the Code of Conduct Bureau over allegations of running foreign accounts in the name of his children and wife, but the case was thrown out because he then, as the sitting governor of the state, enjoyed immunity from prosecution.


His defence counsel at the Code of Conduct Tribunal said he could not be tried by the tribunal because he was covered by Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.


The case against him at the tribunal was struck out because of the immunity clause in the constitution.


The EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had said that some governors would be prosecuted for corruption after leaving office with Senator Tinubu’s name featuring prominently on the list.


Efforts to confirm the interrogation of the ex-governor from official quarters in the EFCC proved abortive as the Chief of Staff to the chairman of the commission, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, and the head commission’s, Media and Publicity, Osita Nwajah, refused to comment on the presence of the former Lagos governor in their office.


While Nwajah could not be reached for comments, Olorunyomi said he was not ready to say anything on the issue.


He, however, confirmed that the questioning of some of the former governors that had honoured the invitation took place in one of the commission’s offices in Abuja.


When asked to comment on the invitation of Tinubu to their office, Olorunyomi said, “I am not ready to comment on that issue. I am not the right person to answer this question.


“I am in the office now, Tinubu is not here. He may have been quizzed in one of the offices of the commission”, he said.


But a source at the EFCC office said Tinubu met with the chairman of the EFCC.


He said that Tinubu was asked about the foreign accounts allegedly owned by him.


He said, “The former governor of Lagos State was at the commission’s office today with some people. He met with the chairman. We are still expecting some former governors to honour the invitation.


Uneasy calm pervaded the atmosphere of Lagos State secretariat following the news of the interrogation of the former state governor by EFCC officials.


Workers at the state secretariat were seen discussing in low voices the predicament of the former governor who recently handed over power to Mr. Babatunde Fashola.


Meanwhile, the former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, who came back to the country from the United States yesterday, is expected to appear before EFCC on Thursday.


Nnamani left the country a few days to May 29 when he was supposed to hand over to the new governor.


Nnamani was alleged to have fled the country to evade EFCC arrest.


But a source in Abuja yesterday told the Nigerian Tribune that the former Enugu governor decided to return to the country following assurances that he would not be prosecuted by the EFCC for alleged misconduct while in office as governor.


Nnamani was said to have arrived from the United States at about 7.00 p.m. Yesterday.

If the entire population is 100

I will say 35% educated Nigerians live outside Nigeria, 15% illiterate Nigerians live outside Nigeria, 23% educated Nigerians live in Nigeria, while the remaining 28% are illiterate and they also live in Nigeria.

Therefore 50% Nigerians live outside Nigeria and the other 50% still live in Nigeria.

Answer: 50% Nigerians live outside of Nigeria.

One and only reason: Because of OBJ.
This is clearly one of the major failure during OBJ's regime. It will be a disrespect to quickly fix what baba unsuccessfully struggled for many years to fix. Therefore, this new administration will ignore this area for few more months for OBJ era and flavor to totally dissolve.
Wait and see guys, 6 more months the MEND associate in prison will be released and this area will settle down before you know it.

By Denex

When I get into government

Denex, I hope you're ready, because in 20 years time you will have many foreigners (as you've recommended) to compete with, in order for you to get into government in Nigeria.

@Topic, Original Colo mentality!
Our leaders represent our country, therefore they must also embrace our culture. Agbada happens to be part of our culture.
The bottom line: We can careless what these people wear as long as they get their jobs done.

Even if you like goat, you can't afford this goat. It doesn't matter how much the former IG stole, you can never afford this goat. So, cool your head down and don't get carried away.

It has been confirmed by a reliable source that the new administration will pay more attention to unemployment issues in Nigeria. Job training and internship process will be modified and re-introduced.
I still think that elevating our educational standard in Nigeria will resolve 90% of this problem.

mamajama, here we go again, you're all over the place as usual. I think you should focus more on Ehindero's corruption allegation.

Denex, what do you think? May be a foreigner?

Let's keep hope alive!

Deadline for Nigeria ex-governors

Ex-governor Joshua Dariye is wanted on money-laundering charges
Nigeria's anti-graft agency has given 15 ex-governors wanted for corruption until the end of Friday to turn themselves in or face arrest.

Five of the former governors have already been quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an official has told the BBC.

EFCC chairman Nuhu Ribadu declined to name the ex-governors being probed.

The governors enjoyed immunity from prosecution until their terms of office expired last month.

The EFCC has said it was investigating almost all of the 36 governors on allegations of corruption.

Under Nigeria's federal system, governors wield considerable powers and some control budgets of more than $1bn a year in Africa's biggest oil producer.

"When the deadline lapses, we will declare them wanted according to our laws. We will obtain warrants and arrest them wherever they are found," Mr Ribadu told the BBC.

On the run

Some of the former governors have already fled the country, but Mr Ribadu says the EFCC will work towards having them extradited to answer graft and money laundering charges.

"They used to have constitutional immunity. Now they no longer have that. We have invited them to come, but if they don't, then we may have to take tougher steps.

"We shall declare them wanted and try to have them extradited from wherever they have fled to or have them tried wherever they have gone to."

Former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye has been questioned in the UK on money-laundering charges but skipped bail. His present whereabouts are not known.

Six governors were re-elected in April's elections and so retain their immunity.

Another seven won seats in Nigeria's Senate, even though one of them appears to have abandoned his seat and has reportedly fled to Spain.

But unlike the governors, parliamentarians are not protected from criminal prosecution under Nigerian law.

Nigeria is seen as one of the world's most corrupt countries.

New President Umaru Yar'Adua has promised to continue with his predecessor's campaign against corruption.

Critics of former President Olusegun Obasanjo say it was a cover to persecute his political rivals.

I wonder why EFCC is not fighting to do this investigation

Eventhough, this statement by President Yaradua represents another OBJ's failure, but I'm disappointed that Yaradua had to make such a stupid statement. As a leader there are somethings you just don't touch. Just allow time to fix things naturally.
Absolutely no need to debase himself and Nigeria in front of the whole world.

By initiator

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? This time it's a resounding NO. Ehindero with the police is the same story as bola ige and Funsho Williams.

Exactly!

By Denex

Mr. man, shey you see yourself now? Are the 60% foreign trained Nigerians not putting in the same input as foreigners?

Shebi you went to a Nigerian University? I went to a Nigerian University too and I must tell you that when I finished, I was bewildered by the functioning of things in the real world.

You expect me to hire a graduate of mechanical engineering who built an egusi dehusking machine for his final year project or the one that built a solar powered 4-wheel drive vehicle? I said it that these foreigners are mostly hired due to their hands-on experience, their work ethic and drive for excellence.

Mr.Denex, I'm very sorry, you still do not get it. You fall in Mr.A's organization. "A Nigerian who refuses to respect his people and prefers command to come from a high school drop out foreigner"
It is very sad and for your information, I did not attend Nigerian university, but I have nothing but upmost respect for our universities, professors and Nigerians in general, for accomplishing so much with very little to work with.
As Mr.C continues to be my main man and role model, I do respect the ability and courage of Mr.A and Mr.B to operate their businesses in Nigeria. And I hope they will change their policies as time and innovation continue to change for better In Nigeria.

Mr.Denex, you're the next, what is your solution?

I had a very interesting discussion regarding this topic with couple of Nigerian business owners last night.

Summary of the discussion:
Mr.A confirmed that he's ready to provide job opportunities to Nigerians as long as the senior managers are foreigners. His reasons for this "Nigerians do not respect one another, they prefer the command to come from a foreigner with  brighter skin colour" Mr.A also added that if you want your business to be successful, all the senior managers must be foreigners. (80% of his employees are Nigerians)

Mr.B confirmed that he doesn't believe in doing business with Nigerians in general. He stated that this group of people can not be trusted under any circumstances. He also added that he had lost so much in the past because of deals with Nigerians. He prefers to pay double to bring oyinbo back to Nigeria to run his businesses. He stated that this is the only way you can be successful as a business man in Nigeria. He gets more government contracts because of these foreigners and he will never change his business policy (no Nigerians). Excluding the drivers and cleaners the only 10 Nigerians out of 450 employees are his brothers and sisters.

Mr.C confirmed that he refuses to employ foreigners and things have been going well for him so far. Eventhough, 60% of his employees are Nigerians that studied in United States of America, while the rest are home made Nigerians. He admires everyone of his employees. He stated that they are honest, intelligent, dedicated and make things happen in a big way. They are in the process of introducing the 6th branch in Abuja less than 7 years in business. He said, he doesn't see or know anything special a foreigner can do that a Nigerian can not do better, Honesty and Dedication are the priceless factors. Anything else can be learned or thought.

The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro stated yesterday that Nigerian police Dept has enough personnel to investigate Ehindero successfully.
As a citizen of Nigeria, I'm totally against this statement or decision.

I see this as absolutely rubbish and the beginning of another political/ police mago mago that will lead to a big zero as usual. It is not a new story to all that Nigerian Police Dept is clearly not competent enough to get anything done correctly. It is also clear that this group of people are not the brightest people in Nigeria.
I think the newly reformed EFCC should be allowed to do their job. Ehindero should be investigated by EFCC just like the rest (common thieves).
I'm very sure that the investigation will be nothing but failure if Nigerian police dept is allowed to proceed alone.

@ I-man Now, you're finally seeing the light. Keep it up

It is very ugly, we should do away with the ugliness.

Sometimes you can be successful if you play the game the way it's truly played. I support the government to release him with conditions. The man could be used to calm things down in those areas.

mamajama, biggy stated in the past that Ehindero is a dirty IG and he should be heavily probed. unbelievable
Shame! shame! shame!

No, satan is not a black man, he's a yellow man and he lives in Jamaica.

I beg, give me a break, is this politics?

So,i quiet agree with seun that we must work harder than the indians in order for us to get the jobs

Absolutely demonstration of craziness and immature state of mind.

Bini? what is that?

Write it down. Ehindero will be used as the scape goat, his balls are currently on the grill and about to burst, I beg take cover!

by xtycod

Buhahahaha. Yoruba and corruption Ojigbi jigbi jigbi

.

@xtycod, we can not get anywhere with this type of mentality. The above statement was absolutely unnecessary. And for your information, I'm not a Yoruba man, but I know better not to point finger at another tribe.

where is biggy?
Ehindero's balls are on the grill, it's time to open up the burukutu.

By xtycod

Are you such a confused person, MAJAMAJA?

When the fire is burning behind your house, it is natural for you to be confused. I understand why mamajama is mentally challenged at the moment.

mamajama, you can't blame anybody for this mess. For many many times you've displayed your high level of intensely despisedness toward people like IBB, Shoyinka, Abacha, Atiku and many many more. Now that your hero is about to register at the girikiri detention, you're starting to make useless noise. You need to stay calm and let the outcome prove the allegation wrong.
If the allegation is correct, Ehindero should be used as the scape goat we've been asking for. He should be punished bitterly and spend the rest of his life with ALAMs at the big house. This is going to be a test for Yaradua and I can't wait to see the outcome. Ehindero doesn't represent one of the real big wigs in Nigeria, so, this should be a very easy decision for Yaradua. Let's see!

Just because you're Implicated in Nigeria doesn't mean you're guilty of anything.

It is simple.
If this allegation is correct, I hope Ehindero and his entire family suffer in pain and go straight to hell, but if the allegation is baseless, I wish him and his entire family everlasting happiness.
That is it.